Friday 18th October 2019

It was a wonderful occasion to witness via the wonders of technology the canonisation of St. John Henry Newman last Sunday in Rome.  Pope Francis has declared October as a special month of prayer and action to strengthen and grow God's mission and the Church.  One way we can do this is to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus through prayer.  When we pray together, we share in God's love and are inspired to make the world a better place.  Pope Francis invites us all to join the EMM2019 Universal Prayer Chain, in solidarity and love for all people.  This will connect the whole Church family and give us strength to live our Catholic mission.  On Fridays we are invited to pray the official EMM2019 prayer after the Angelus during October.  Through praying together we will revitalise and reawaken our missionary spirit.  St. John Henry Newman, pray for us. 

Thank you for your generosity in donating Christmas shoesboxes for the appeal organised by Project Gambia. These gifts will support the children who live in Kotusilo and also those who attend schools at Half Dye, Madiana, Hanne Vibe and The Methodist Special School. A small act of kindness can make a huge difference to the lives of the children in need.

A reminder that our first Parents' Evening of the year will take place on Tuesday 22nd October (3.30pm-5.30pm) and Wednesday 23rd October (5pm-7pm).  Children can be brought into school and will be supervised in the IT suite during an appointment slot.  There will also be PCs and iPads available for parents to complete the new questionnaire too.  Please also complete a post-it to say how proud you are of your child/ren - these will be available in the classrooms.

Unfortunately, the school has received two complaints from site staff at Wollescote School regarding the behaviour of some of our parents at this week's football fixture when challenged about parking. This behaviour is unacceptable. All parents are asked to show respect at all times when supporting any school event.  A copy of the School Games Parents Code of Conduct will be issued with letters for future sports fixtures.  If reports of this behaviour are received once again then the school football team may be withdrawn from the league. 

A reminder that the Class Yearly Overviews and Autumn term study plans are available on the School Website.  This will enable you can keep up-to-date with the areas of focus for each subject during the course of the year.  On the home page, click on the Key Information tab and then select Curriculum Plans.  There is also a St. Nicholas Owen CMAC Curriculum Intent which you can access via the same folder of documents. Thank you.

RB Gym & Sport who deliver the gymnastics breakfast clubs in school will be running Activity camps at St. Joseph's over the October half term. To book your child's place visit www.rbgymandsport.co.uk. For more information a leaflet has been sent home in your child's school bag.

Please bring any items into school outlined below so that we can pass on these essentials to our brothers and sisters in need.  Thank you.

FOOD SHORTAGES: TINNED FRUIT, TINNED MEAT, 1L CARTONS OF UHT FRUIT JUICE, 1L CARTONS UHT MILK, TINNED POTATOES, ,TINNED FISH, INSTANT MASH, TINNED VEG READY MEALS (e.g. MACARONI CHEESE, VEG CURRY), TINNED CUSTARD

NON-FOOD SHORTAGES: SHAMPOO, DEODORANT, WASHING-UP LIQUID, TOILET ROLLS, ADULT TOOTHPASTE, WASHING POWDER (SMALL BOXES)

God our Father, Your Son Jesus wants us to share your love with everyone.  May the Holy Spirit help us to bring the light of your love to the whole world.  So that all people may come to see Jesus as their friend and guide.  We make this prayer through Christ Our Lord.  Amen.

Children in St. Joseph's School are growing to be: grateful for their own gifts, for the gift of other people, and for the blessings of each day; and generous with their gifts, becoming men and women for others.

That the breath of the Holy Spirit engender a new missionary 'spring' in the church.